Final Fantasy (The Band) Has A New, Less Trademark Infringing Name

Perhaps, in your internet travels for Final Fantasy the video game related content or violin-driven indie music, you’ve come across Final Fantasy the band. If you have, and become a fan of the artist, call them Final Fantasy no more.

The band—which is largely a solo act—will change its name to Owen Pallett next year. That’s in reference to violinist Owen Pallett, the musician at the core of the artist formerly known as Final Fantasy. I know what you might be thinking, that Square Enix‘s trademark protective team of laywers has gone after Pallett, putting him in a legal headlock, forcing the man to change his band’s name. Not so, says Pallett.

While he points out that “the laws of trademark infringement exist for good reason,” he says he is “voluntarily retiring” his band name.

“I feel it is in my own best interests to definitively distinguish my music from Square/Enix’s games,” Pallett said in a statement. His previous band name, he says “the experience— and the tone of the material— was reminiscent of the hours and hours” spent playing Japanese RPGs.

Final Fantasy Changes Name [Pitchfork – thanks, Spoo!]